south indian Recipes
15 delicious south indian recipes from around the world
Chicken 65
A popular and fiery Indian appetizer from Chennai, featuring bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken that are deep-fried until crispy and then tossed with fragrant curry leaves and spices. It's known for its vibrant red color and spicy kick.
Chicken Chettinad
A fiery and aromatic Chicken Chettinad, a signature dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its bold flavors and intense spice blend, particularly black pepper.
Coconut Chutney
A fresh and flavorful South Indian condiment made from ground coconut, chilies, and spices, finished with a fragrant tempering. It's an essential accompaniment to dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and uttapam.
Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam)
A cooling and comforting South Indian dish of rice mixed with yogurt and finished with a fragrant tempering. Perfect for a light meal or as a palate cleanser.
Dosa
A crispy, fermented crepe made from rice and lentils, a quintessential South Indian breakfast dish. It's characterized by its delicate crispness on the outside and a soft, slightly chewy interior.
Idli
Fluffy, savory steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. A quintessential South Indian breakfast, often served with sambar and coconut chutney.
Lemon Rice (Chitranna)
A vibrant and tangy South Indian specialty from Karnataka, this Lemon Rice (Chitranna) is made by flavoring fluffy rice with a fragrant tempering of spices, herbs, and the zesty brightness of lemon. It's a perfect dish for lunchboxes or a light meal.
Masala Dosa
A beloved South Indian delicacy featuring a crispy, paper-thin fermented rice and lentil crepe, generously filled with a fragrant spiced potato mixture, and traditionally served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Medu Vada
Crispy lentil donuts - savory fried urad dal fritters with a crispy outside and soft inside. These are a popular South Indian snack, often served for breakfast or as an appetizer.
Meen Varuval (South Indian Fish Fry)
A classic South Indian coastal specialty, this Meen Varuval features fish steaks marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and aromatics, then shallow-fried to a delightful crispness while remaining moist and tender inside.
Rasam
A light and flavorful South Indian spiced tomato and tamarind broth, often served as a digestive aid or a comforting soup, especially during colds. Its characteristic warmth comes from black pepper.
Sambar
A flavorful and hearty South Indian lentil and vegetable stew, spiced with tamarind and aromatic spices. A staple accompaniment to many South Indian dishes.
Tamarind Rice (Puliyogare)
A classic South Indian temple specialty, this tangy and slightly sweet tamarind rice is flavored with a unique spice blend and tempered with peanuts and curry leaves. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish, often served as prasadam (a religious offering).
Upma
A comforting and quick savory porridge made from roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and optional vegetables. A classic South Indian breakfast or light meal.
Uttapam
A thick, savory rice and lentil pancake, similar to a dosa but with a softer, fluffier texture. Vegetables and other toppings are pressed into the batter while it cooks, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish often likened to an Indian-style pizza.